Game device and method

ABSTRACT

A game device ( 10 ) includes a housing ( 12 ) mounted on a base ( 14 ). The housing ( 12 ) includes a stack ( 30 ) of activity cards ( 28 ). The activity cards are individually dispensed from a dispenser assembly ( 25 ). Each activity card includes a set of instructions ( 138 ) instructing the player to carry out a game activity. The activity card also includes a uniform resource locator address and instructions ( 140 ) for the user to access an interactive computer network to obtain further information and data to enable the user to complete the activity.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to games, and particularly tomultiple activity games that occur using physical structure and computernetworks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Individuals of all ages and backgrounds typically enjoy theintellectual stimulation, and distraction from everyday stress, providedby games. This is not only the case for children, but also foroffice-bound adults, students and others who may benefit from periodicmental breaks in their workday activities. It is not unusual to findsmall entertainment devices, such as puzzles, on desktops for thispurpose. However, the variety of entertaining activities that can becarried out with such game devices is limited and becomes repetitiveover time. Additionally, individuals may not feel particularly adept atcertain activities, such as solving manipulative puzzles, and thereforemay find such activities stressful rather than relaxing and enjoyable.

[0003] Over the years, a variety of parlor games have been developedthat entertain both children and adults of all ages. The playmethodology of such games can be quite complex and entertaining, yet isnot suitable for use in an office environment, or in taking a break fromchores in a residential environment, due to the time commitment requiredto play such games.

[0004] One relatively recent entry into the field of commerciallyavailable games is a multiple activity game sold under the trademarkCRANIUM™, by Cranium Inc. of Seattle, Wash. This game is described inpending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/135,383 filed Aug. 17, 1998,in the name of R. Tait and W. Alexander, the disclosure of which ishereby expressly incorporated by reference. This game utilizes a varietyof activities that appeal to and challenge individuals possessingdifferent cognitive skills and abilities. Specifically, the gameincludes a plurality of activity cards that challenge players: knowledgeof facts, trivia and logic; by drawing on their creative expressionabilities such as in drawing or molding a modeling compound; ability torender performances and carry out deeds and actions, such as singing orrole playing; or ability to solve word puzzles and scrambles. Byproviding this broad variety of activities, virtually every player willhave an activity at which they feel they can excel, making theexperience positive for all players, at the same time challenging themin very differing ways. While this game has been highly successful, itsplay is more complex and time consuming than may be suitable for useduring a brief break in the activities of an office worker, a student,or an individual working at home.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides a game that includes a dispenserand a plurality of activity cards that are disposed in and dispensedfrom the dispenser. Each activity card is marked with a first set ofinstructions describing an activity to be completed by a player. Theactivity card is also marked with a source locator address, such as aWeb site uniform resource locator address, that is accessible by theuser over an interactive computer network, such as the Internet, toobtain a second set of instructions or data to facilitate the player'scompletion or furtherance of the activity.

[0006] In a further aspect of the present invention, a game is providedthat includes a housing defining a dispenser and a receptacle. Aplurality of activity cards are disposed in and dispensed from thedispenser. Each activity card is marked with a first set of instructionsdescribing an activity to be completed by a player. The game alsoincludes an activity implement, stored in the receptacle, and usable bythe user to carry out at least some of the activities.

[0007] The present invention also provides the game system playable by auser who accesses an interactive computer network, such as the Internet,via a network access device. The system includes a plurality of activitycards, each marked with a first set of instructions describing anactivity to be completed by a player and also being marked with a sourcelocator address accessible by the player over an interactive computernetwork to obtain a second set of instructions or data to facilitate theplayer's completion of the activity. The system includes a networkserver that serves up data to the source locator address over theinteractive computer network. This data includes a second set ofinstructions or, information that is accessed by the player, using thesource locator address provided on the activity card, to complete theactivity.

[0008] In a still further aspect of the present invention, a game isprovided that includes a plurality of activity cards. Each card has afirst side and a second side. At least one side of each card is markedwith game information. The game information marked on the plurality ofcards is different for each card. The activity cards each also include agum adhesive strip, applied to a portion of one side of each card. Thecards are assembled in a stack, with the adhesive strip at each cardbeing detachably adhered to an adjacent card in the stack. A thuslyadhered card can be selectively removed from the stack by peeling thecards apart, without damage to the cards.

[0009] The present invention also provides methods of game play inaccordance with each of the aspects of the invention set forth above,and methods and apparatus for providing the activity instructionsdescribed above via electronic media.

[0010] The present invention thus provides a game that is suitablyconfigured for use on a desktop to provide an entertaining andintellectually stimulating break in a player's day. In a preferredembodiment, the game includes a housing that incorporates the dispenserfor receiving a selectively adhered stack or pad of game activity cards.The game play cards are presented by the dispenser, on a one at a timebasis, and may be pulled by a user to be individually dispensed from thedispenser. Each activity card in a preferred embodiment includesinvitational data, that draws the user to the game play card, factualdata that educates the player and that encourages them to undertake anactivity described in instructions printed on the card. The instructionspresent a mental and/or physical challenge to the player, and mayrequire the player to utilize one or more of a variety of mental andphysical abilities represented by the plurality of activity cards. Forexample, the abilities may be the use of factual trivia and logic, theuse of creative expression, carrying out a performance, deed or action,or solving a word puzzle. The card also includes an Internet URL Website locator that links the game to further information and activitiesaccessible over the Internet. The user is directed to the Web site byaccessing the URL address, whereupon the user may obtain furtherinformation or instructions that assist the user in solving orcompleting the activity. The Web site also directs the user to partakein further or extended games that are carried out online over theInternet.

[0011] The game activities are suitable selected and designed toencourage face to face interaction between players and otherindividuals, such as office coworkers. Sometimes this interaction isobtained through activities that expressly require the input of multipleplayers. Others, such as trivia activities, are designed with apredetermined level of difficulty such that one person's knowledge istypically insufficient to complete, so that other individuals areconsulted.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the housing also includes implementsthat may assist the user in carrying out the activities set forth in thecards. For example, the housing may include a reservoir for retention ofa molding compound that can be manipulated to perform an activity, orfor stress relief, and may also include a second reservoir that includesa plurality of dice, each die marked with letters and/or words to enablethe user to compose sentences, spell words, or build structures. Thehousing may also include useful structure for an office environment,such as an implement holder that receives pens and pencils, or thatreceives a clip for display of photos.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages ofthis invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomebetter understood by reference to the following detailed description,when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014]FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a first embodiment of a gamedevice constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the housing of the gamedevice of FIG. 1, elevated above the base on which it is supported;

[0016]FIGS. 3 through 5 illustrate front, side and rear elevation viewsof the game device of FIG. 1;

[0017]FIG. 6 provides an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 7 provides an exploded view of a dispenser mechanism of thedevice of FIG. 1;

[0019]FIGS. 8A and 8B provide a cross-sectional view of the closeddispenser mechanism and of the dispenser mechanism open to receive a padof activity cards, respectively;

[0020]FIG. 9 provides an alternate embodiment of a game deviceconstructed in accordance with the present invention utilizingelectronic media;

[0021]FIGS. 10A and 10B provide representative views of the front andback sides of an activity card for use in the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 11 provides an illustration of representative indicia to bemarked on one of the die suitable for use in the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 12 provides a representative illustration of the back side ofan exemplary activity card for use in the present invention;

[0024]FIGS. 13 through 24 provide representative illustrations of thefront sides of exemplary activity cards useful in the present inventionand illustrating a variety of activities that may be suitably carriedout in accordance with the invention;

[0025]FIG. 25 provides a representative video screen display served upto a Web site and accessible over the Internet for an on-line componentof the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 26 provides a representative view of a portion of theInternet as may be utilized in an on-line component of the presentinvention; and

[0027]FIG. 27 provides a representative illustration of a serverinterfacing with the Internet in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0028] The present invention provides a game device 10 including avessel or housing 12 that is removably supported on a base 14, as shownin FIGS. 1-5. Referencing FIG. 5, the housing 12 is constructed from anupper housing 16 that is selectively secured to a lower housing ring 18,with a gasket member 20 secured therebetween. A lower housing 21 isselectively securable to an opposite side of the housing ring 18. Thehousing 12 further includes a reservoir 22 formed in the upper housing16, that may be selectively closed by a pliable lid 24 that is hingedlyattached to the gasket 20. The activity card dispenser assembly 25(FIGS. 6 through 8) is housed within the upper housing 16, and carries aplurality of activity cards 28 assembled in a pad or stack 30 ofactivity cards. Finally, the housing 12 further contains a moldingcompound 32 that is receivable within the reservoir 22, and a pluralityof die 34 that are received within the lower housing 21.

A. Game Structure

[0029] Before discussing the content included on the activity cards 28and the game play methods, each structure included within the gamedevice 10 will first be described. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the base14 includes a pedestal 40 that has an overall disk shape configuration.A stem 42 extends upwardly and centrally from one radial side of thepedestal 40, terminating at an elevation above the pedestal 40, on anopposing side of the pedestal 40. The stem 42 then extends to form anannular ring 44 defining a central aperture 46 and a seat 48, at thejunction of the ring 44 and the stem 42. The ring 44 has a generallycircular configuration, and is tilted such that a plane defined by thering 44 has a vertical component and a primarily horizontal component.One side of the ring 44 is extended, such that the outer perimeter ofthe ring has an ovoid shape.

[0030] An arcuate slot 50 is defined within this ovoid extension of thering 44. This slot 50 has a purpose of receiving desktop implements,such as pens, pencils, letter openers and the like. The slot 50 ispreferably bordered on radial inner and outer edges thereof by aresilient and compressible elastomer lining 52. The elastomer lining 52is suitably a resilient, foamed elastomer with a limited degree ofresiliency, referred to as a memory foam. A slot is defined betweenopposing edges of the lining 52, and is configured in undulating fashionto define enlarged portions through which implements of various sizescan be inserted. Additionally, a spring wire clip 54 may be insertedinto the slot 54, retained in place by the lining 52. The clip 54accepts photographs or other items to be displayed. The upper surface ofthe pedestal 40 defines a dish-shaped recess into which small items,such as paper clips, may be placed.

[0031] The housing 12 has an overall spherical configuration whencompletely assembled. The lower housing 21 has a generallysemi-spherical configuration, but may be flattened and/or grooved (notshown) on a lower surface thereof to enable the lower housing 21 tosecurely and removably seat within the central aperture 46 of the base14. In particular, the lower housing 21 may be contoured in a regioncorresponding to a contour defined in saddle 48 of the base 14, toassure proper orientation of the housing 12 within the base 14. Thiscontour will also suitably permit the housing 12 to sit flat on a tabletop or other surface when removed from the base 14.

[0032] The housing ring 18 has a flat bottom (not shown) and an annularflange surrounding the bottom. The housing ring 18 and the lower housing21 may be secured together in selective locking engagement. To this end,the housing ring 18 defines a plurality of cam slots 60 that engage aplurality of pins 62 included on the perimeter of the lower housing 21.Lower housing 21 can be slid onto the housing ring 18 and then rotated,to engage the pins 62 in the slots 60.

[0033] The plurality of die 34 are received within the lower housing 21,between the lower housing 21 and the housing ring 18. An opposite sideof the housing ring 18 includes a plurality of catches 64 projectingupwardly therefrom. The terms upper and lower are defined in referenceto the illustrated positioning of the housing 12, but it should beapparent that the device is operable in various other dispositions. Thecatches 64 are received within and engage mating latch recesses definedin an interior of the upper housing 16. The housing ring 18 can thus besnapped onto the upper housing 16. The upper housing 16 and housing ring18 are thusly held securely together. The housing ring 18 is tensionedaway from the upper housing 16, to retain this attachment without loosemovement therebetween, due to the gasket 20. The gasket 20 is preferablyformed from an elastomeric material, and has an annular configuration.The gasket 20 is captured between a lower perimeter 66 of the upperhousing 16, and a lip 68 defined around the lower edge of the housingring 18.

[0034] The upper housing 16 has a generally semi-sphericalconfiguration. However, a flattened region 70 is defined on an uppersurface of the upper housing 16, and accepts the reservoir 22therewithin. Alternatively, the reservoir 22 and the upper housing 16may be integrally formed. The molding compound 32, such as clay orputty, is suitably placed within the reservoir 22, and substantiallyfills the reservoir 22.

[0035] The lid 24 is hingedly connected by an integral elastomeric hinge74 to the gasket ring 20. The lid 24 snaps into place onto the upperhousing 16, over an upper edge of the reservoir 22. The lid 24 ispreferably also formed from an elastomeric material, and thus can bedepressed by the user, to deform the molding compound 32 thereunder,providing both a distraction and an outlet for stress relief. The lid 24suitably includes a tab 76 projecting from an edge thereof, which may belifted by a user to selectively remove the lid 24 from the reservoir 22,permitting access to the molding compound 32. Similarly, the lowerhousing 20 can be twisted relative to the housing 18, to remove thelower housing 20 from the housing 12, to permit access to the die 34therewithin.

[0036] While this multi-part construction has been described, it shouldbe readily apparent that alternate constructions can be utilized. Thus,a one-piece housing, including a hinged lid and lower housing, could beformed. Likewise, the present invention is not restricted to the shapeand physical configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5. Thus whilea spherical housing supported on a separate base has been illustrated, ahousing that has an alternate configuration, such as a cube or othershape could be utilized, and may rest on a separate base or may have anintegral base.

[0037] The dispenser assembly 25 will now be further described withreference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8A and 8B. FIG. 7 provides an exploded view ofone suitable mechanism for construction and mounting of the dispenserassembly 25. As illustrated therein, the upper housing 16 may besuitably constructed with internal braces 80. A gap between braces 80 isformed in a front side of the upper housing 16. A transverse slot 82 isformed across the front side of the upper housing 16 in this region.

[0038] A dispenser channel 84 includes a transverse channel having anouter rim 86 and a set of supporting braces 88 depending downwardly fromthe channel 84. The dispenser channel 84 is inserted into the upperhousing 16, with the rim 86 snapping into the slot 82 defined in theupper housing 16. The dispenser channel 84 defines a path through whichindividual activity cards 28 may be dispensed.

[0039] The dispenser assembly 25 further includes a pivotal platform 90that is mounted within the interior of the upper housing 16. The pivotalplatform 90 includes left and right posts 92 that project laterally froman upper end thereof, and which are received within correspondingapertures 94 defined in braces 80 of the upper housing 16. The platform90 includes a floor 94. A pair of latches 96 are formed on a forwardedge of the floor 94. The platform 90 is mounted to pivot within theupper housing 16, between a forward most position as illustrated in FIG.8A in which the latches 96 engage with corresponding catches 98 definedin the braces 88 of the channel 84, and an open rearward position asillustrated in phantom in FIG. 8B.

[0040] The platform 90 also carries a pivotal support 100 that includesleft and right pins 102, which are received pivotally within apertures104 defined in an upper end of the platform 90. This support 100 is ableto pivot forwardly and rearwardly relative to the platform 90. Twosprings 106 are disposed between the rear side of the support 100 andthe front side of the platform 90, to bias the support 100 forwardlyaway from the platform 90. The support 100 includes a forward contactsurface 110.

[0041] Still referencing FIGS. 8A and 8B, a stack 30 or pad of activitycards 28 is received within the interior of the dispenser assembly 25and upper housing 16. The stack 30 is disposed between the interiorsurfaces of the braces 80 and braces 88 on the forward side, and theforward contact surface 110 of the support 100 on the back side thereof.The stack 30 includes a plurality of individual activity cards 28 thatare detachably adhered together with a gum adhesive in a manner thatshall be further described subsequently. The stack 30 is inserted intothe upper housing 16 in the manner shown in FIG. 8B.

[0042] For installation, the platform 90 is opened, and a free end ofthe forwardmost activity card 28 is threaded through the dispenserchannel 84, to project externally of the upper housing 16. The stack 30is then inserted into the cavity of the upper housing 16, between theupper housing 16 and the dispenser assembly 25. The support 100, biasedby the springs 106, presses the stack forwardly against the dispenserchannel 84. The platform 90 can then be moved forwardly and snapped intoplace, as shown in FIG. 8A, to retain the activity card stack 30 inplace for use and dispensing. When the activity card stack 30 has beenused up, this procedure can be reversed to install a new activity cardstack or pad.

[0043] While a particular dispenser assembly 25 has been illustratedabove, it should be readily apparent that numerous other dispensermechanisms may be utilized in accordance with the present invention.Thus rather than using a multi-part dispenser assembly 25, thedispensing channel 84 may be integrally formed with the upper housing16, and a one-part platform with integral resilient spring member couldbe utilized to assist feeding of the activity cards 28 through the slot.

[0044] Attention is now directed to FIG. 8B and to FIGS. 10A and 10B tofurther describe the construction of the stack 30 of activity cards 28.The term “activity card” as used herein refers to a sheet, or segment ofa larger sheet or strip, of flexible media, which may be paperboard,cardboard, paper, plastic film, or other thin flexible material. Eachactivity card 28, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, includes a frontside 112 and a back side 114. The content or information that is printedon the cards 28 will be described further hereinbelow. However, at thispoint it is noted that one side of the activity card (suitably the backside 114) includes a strip of gum or tacky adhesive 116. The adhesivestrip 116 has a nature such that it is firmly adhered to the back side114 of the card, and can be pressed or contacted against an adjacentcard to detachably adhere the two cards together. By pulling twoadjacent cards apart, the bond formed by the adhesive strip 116 isreadily separated, with the adhesive strip 116 being retained on theback side 114 of the card 28 and separating cleanly, without damage, tothe opposing adjacent card.

[0045] Referencing FIG. 8B, the activity cards 28 are stacked to form apad that is detachably adhered together using adhesive strips 116, in aZ-fold configuration. Thus the stack 30 includes a plurality of cards28, each of which has a back side that faces rearwardly within thedispenser assembly 25. The cards are alternated in orientation such thaton a first card, the adhesive strip 116 is on the top edge of the backside of the card, and on the next adjacent card the adhesive strip 116is on a bottom edge of the back side thereof, and vice versa. Thisresults in the “Z” fold selective adhesion of the cards together.

[0046] To dispense the cards, the projecting end of the first activitycard 28 that has been fed through the dispensing channel 84 is pulled,which results in the adhered end of the underlying activity card 28being pulled out with the first card, the first card then detaching fromthe second card, leaving the free end of the second card 28 threadedthrough the channel 84 projecting externally of the upper housing 16.The cards can thus be dispensed on a one-by-one basis, with each cardthreading the next adjacent card through the channel 84 and presentingthe exterior edge thereof for subsequent removal.

[0047] While this arrangement of a card stack 30 and dispenser assembly25 have been described, it should be understood that many otherarrangements for dispensing activity cards or flexible media on whichinformation is printed or formed are also within the scope of thepresent invention. Thus rather than using Z-folded activity cards,individual activity cards that are each folded in a V-shapedconfiguration, and then adhered together such that a V series ofselectively adhered cards results, is also within the scope of thepresent invention. Further, rather than using individually adheredcards, a stack of cards that are not adhered together, but rather reston a platform, may be utilized. In this event, a rubberized wheel orgripper would be included within the upper housing and biased against anupper card in the stack. The wheel rotates with the upper card as theupper card is removed, and then contacts the second card to commencefeeding of the second card. The platform on which the cards rest may bea vertical moving platform, rather than a pivotal platform, or maysimply be a stationary receptacle. Rather than using cards that areadhered or loose, the cards may be formed in a continuous strip, withindividual cards in the strip being separated by perforations. As theperforated strip is pulled from the dispenser, the perforations would beseparated by ripping apart the cards with a light downward pull.Alternately a single strip of cards formed in a series, withoutperforations, may be employed, and a cutting edge formed on the edge ofthe channel 84 to rip off individual cards. These and numerous othervariations of dispensers are included within the scope of the presentinvention.

[0048] A still further variation of the present invention is illustratedin FIG. 9. Rather than utilizing printed activity card media, device 120utilizes electronic media to convey the information that would otherwisebe on the activity cards. Thus the device 120 includes internalcircuitry 122, which suitably includes a central processing unit andelectronic memory. The device further includes an electronic display124, such as an LCD display. One or more user input/output devices, suchas buttons 126, are also included on the device 120. Finally, the deviceincludes a data port 128 to receive electronic data. The data port 128may be: a connector that receives electric or optic cable to connect thedevice 120 to a separate computer; a socket or drive that receives acartridge containing data stored on a CD ROM disc, ROM chip, memorystick or other storage device; a modem port for connection through atelephone line to a computer system; or a receiver that receives dataover a wireless link. Rather than dispensing individual cards, theinstructions and other data that would appear in a card would instead bedisplayed on the display 124.

[0049] In one suitable embodiment, invitational information that promptsand encourages a user to play the game would be initially displayed onthe display 124. A player would then depress one of the buttons 126 tocause further information including activity instructions to bedisplayed, and commence game play. The display 124 is controlled by thecircuitry including CPU. The data and other information that isdisplayed is provided through the port 128 in one of the aforementionedmanners, and can be updated by changing cartridges, wireless updating,etc.

[0050] Attention is redirected to FIG. 6 to explain ancillary implementsthat are included within the device 10 for game play. As notedpreviously, the device 10 includes a reservoir 22 that receives moldingcompound 32, such as clay or putty. The pliable lid 24 can be depressedto mold the molding compound 32 therebelow, for stress relief.Additionally, the lid 24 can be opened and the clay and the moldingcompound 32 removed to form shapes in accordance with activity cardinstructions. The bottom housing 62 includes a plurality of die 34. Eachdice 34 includes indicia, such as lettering and words, and further maybe color coded. Individual faces of the dice may suitably be paintedwith different colors, or each dice itself may be colored differentlythan the other dice. The dice 34 can be used, in accordance withinstructions on the playing cards, to build structures. Additionally thedice can be lined up to spell words using the letters that are on theface of the individual dice, or to build phrases using the words thatare on the face of the individual dice. Attention is directed now toFIG. 11, which illustrates one representative example of the faces of anindividual dice 34. Each die 34, in the illustrated embodiment, includessix faces. Each face is marked with a large upper case letter, used tospell words, and additionally with a word using that letter, to buildphrases. The representative lettering and words are examples only, andof course infinite possibilities for combinations of letters and wordsexist. Other indicia, such as illustrations, may alternately beemployed. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of die, such as 12 or16, are utilized. However, the number of die may vary in accordance withthe present invention, or may be deleted altogether.

[0051] Other ancillary implements may also be employed, such as a paperpad (not shown), or calendar (not shown), which can be mounted on thebase 14. Again, these implements, as well as normal desk top implementssuch as pens, pencils, paperclips, staples, etc., may be utilized inaccordance with instructions on the activity cards to carry outactivities.

B. Activity Card Content

[0052] Attention is now directed to FIGS. 10A and 10B to describecontent included on the individual activity cards 28. As notedpreviously, each activity card 28 has first and seconds sides, and inthe embodiment described herein, these shall be referred to as a frontside 112 and a back side 114. The back side 114 includes the adhesivestrip 116 along one edge thereof. The opposing edge of the back side 114preferably includes invitational information 130, also referred toherein as “teaser text.” The invitational information 130 is suitably inthe form of a short provocative headline, relating directing ortangentially to information appearing elsewhere on the activity card 28.The invitational information 130 is designed to grab the player'sattention and induce or encourage the player to dispense the activitycard 28 to commence game play. The back side 114 suitably also includesfactual data 132 printed thereon. The factual data 132 is suitably astatement or quote containing interesting follow-up information thatrelates to the activity described elsewhere on the card. The factualinformation may also be tangentially or directly related to theinvitational information. Other markings, such as illustrations 134, mayalso be included on the back side 114.

[0053] The front side 112 of the card suitably includes an activity name136 printed thereon, which conveys information regarding the type ofactivity to which the card is directed. These types or categories ofactivities are preferably selected from differing types of cognitivemental or physical activities that draw on one of the varieties ofstrengths or intelligences of players. Preferably the activities areselected from multiple such activities, and suitably are designed toprovide at least some activities at which each user or player willexcel. Such activities are more fully described in co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/135,383 filed Aug. 17, 1998, in the nameof R. Tait and W. Alexander, the disclosure of which has been expresslyincorporated by reference herein.

[0054] The activity name 136 clues the player into the type of activitythat will then follow in accordance with instructions set forth inactivity content 138 also printed on the front side 112 of the activitycard. The activity content may take the form of text, graphics, images,etc., . The activity may include a puzzle, a word challenge, a trivia orknowledge-based challenge, a logic challenge, the use of creativeexpression, the carrying out of a performance, deed or action, or thesolving of a word challenge, by way of example. Various activity typeswhich may be suitably described in the instructions set forth in theactivity content 138 will be further described hereinbelow.

[0055] Finally, the front side 112 of the activity card also suitablyincludes on-line directional information 140, also referred to herein asa “shortcut.” The on-line directional information 140 includesinstructions and a network source locator or address that directs theuser to access information on an interactive network, such as theInternet, and more specifically the World Wide Web. The network resourcelocator suitably takes the form of a uniform resource locator (URL)address on the World Wide Web. The user is able to access theinteractive network, through a network access device, such as acomputer, cell phone, personal data system, or other web-capable devicessuch as a television, to obtain further information data or instructionsthat are served to a web site by a game operator entity. Thisinformation helps the player complete the activity described in theactivity content 138, or enables the player to check an answer that hasbeen obtained as a result of the activity, or encourages the player toexpand game play, by way of example.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the on-line directional information140 or shortcut includes instructions, the network resource locator, anda code word, unique to each activity card, that the user enters into aninput field on the home page of a web site visited in accordance withthe instructions. The code word included in the shortcut, when enteredon the home page, grants the user access to another particular Web page,where the user can input an answer they have arrived at, obtain hints,download further information, or play a virtual version of the activityon-line. The shortcut or on-line directional information 140 thusconsists suitably of three parts, a leader or instruction, a networksource locator or URL, and a code word. The leader is explanatory textthat advertises the shortcut destination. The shortcut code word isentered by the player when the Web site set forth in the resourcelocator address is accessed. The shortcut thus provides a Web site link,and induces a player to access an on-line analog of the game device,essentially serving as an onramp to the World Wide Web, to expand andcomplete game play.

[0057] The game play instructions and information contained on theactivity cards 28 may best be understood by reviewing sample activitycards. Attention is thus directed to FIG. 12, which provides arepresentative back side 114 of an activity card 28. The teaser text 130presented states “Live! From New York . . . ” This invitationalinformation, printed bold and in a bright color, is exposed on theleading edge of the activity card 28 that projects from the dispenser,and can be readily viewed by a player. It invites the user to pull theactivity card 28 to dispense the activity card 28. The activity cardalso includes a graphic 134, which relates generally to the type ofactivity that may occur on the opposite side of the card. The factualinformation 132 states a fact relating to the invitational information.The factual information 132 in this case states: “Fun Fact: The firstperformer to proclaim ‘Live, from New York, it's Saturday Night!’ wasChevy Chase, on Oct. 11, 1975.” This factual information is meant to beinformative and entertaining, and is related to the invitationalinformation.

[0058]FIG. 13 illustrates the opposing, front side 112 of the activitycard 28 illustrated in FIG. 12. The activity name 136 set forth in thiscard is “Mix & Match.” The mix and match activity is a multiple parttrivia matching challenge, that requires a player to match relatedwords, numbers, phrases and/or images. The instructions explaining howto do the trivia match, and the trivia to be matched, are set forth inthe activity content 138 also printed on the front side 112 of the card.On this particular card, quotes spoken by famous personalities arelisted opposing the names of famous individuals, and the quotes need tobe matched, such as by drawing lines (as illustrated), to the famousindividuals that spoke the quotes. This activity, having to do withactors and actresses, relates generally to the content included on theopposite side of the card.

[0059] The front side 112 of the card illustrated in FIG. 13 is alsomarked with the on-line directional information 140, which includes theinstruction “For answers, go to”, a resource locator address, in thiscase World Wide Web address “www.desktopdistraction.com”, and a shortcutcode word and instruction “Use shortcut: ‘Chevy’”. In this instance, theuser would use information and knowledge at hand to match quotes toindividuals. If they are stuck on this matching, or wish to check theiranswers, they would follow the instructions in the on-line directionalinformation 140 and access the Web site at the address provided. Theywould then select or click on a button or window in the Web site thatcorresponds to the mix and match activity, as shall be described furtherhereinbelow, and then enter the shortcut code word “Chevy” to receivethe answers to the matching challenge.

[0060] Further examples of activities that can be carried out inaccordance with the present invention, and represented by activity names132, activity content 138 and on-line directional information 140, areset forth in FIGS. 14 through 24. These examples are meant to beillustrative only, and other types of game activity challenges, puzzles,etc., may be developed in accordance with the invention disclosedherein.

[0061] Attention is next directed to FIG. 14, which illustrates anactivity card 28 that provides a visual puzzle, identified herein as a“Pict-o-quest”. A visual puzzle requires a player to identify, find orinterpret objects in a picture. The objects may be blueprint-style viewsor cross-sections of common objects, extreme close-up photos ofdifferent objects, or objects depicted in a single cartoon as visualpuns on objects names, titles, etc., by way of example. In the exampleillustrated, the puzzle provides visual clues to well known children'sbooks, and the user is instructed to identify the titles of thechildren's books represented by the visual clues.

[0062]FIG. 15 illustrates the answer to this puzzle, in which the clueshave been circled and the titles of the books have been entered onto theback side of the card. If the player requires assistance or wants tocheck his or her answer, the user is instructed in the on-linedirectional information to go to a Web site for answers to the puzzle,and to enter a shortcut code word Seuss. Again, the shortcut code wordis a word that is related in some fashion to the subject matter of theactivity or challenge.

[0063]FIG. 16 provides instructions for an activity identified as“Arcade”, which provides instructions to use readily available officesupplies to carry out an activity. The user is instructed by the on-linedirectional information to access a Web site to receive instructions onfurther challenges or activities of like nature.

[0064]FIG. 17 illustrates a representative activity card 28 having anactivity identified as “Build it”, which provides instructions to builda structure out of the implements included with the game device, such asthe dice, and office supplies. Analogous to the arcade activity, theon-line directional information provides access to a Web site forrelated challenges and activities.

[0065]FIG. 18 provides information for an activity identified as “CrossCubes”, which instructs the user to use the words on the dice toconstruct a simple crossword. Again, the on-line directional informationinstructs the user to access the Web site to receive other similar wordconstruction challenges.

[0066]FIG. 19 provides an activity identified as “Mad Cap”, which setsforth a funny or provocative photograph, and instructs the user to writea creative humorous or personalized caption. The on-line directionalinformation includes information enabling the user to access a Web siteto play an on-line version of Mad Cap, in which users share captionsthey have created with other users.

[0067]FIG. 20 provides an activity identified as a personality test, inwhich a user is asked to enter the names of people known to them, suchas co-workers or colleagues, who are viewed by the player to be mostlikely to do something in the future. The instructions are repeated suchthat the user can cut the activity card into multiple parts and sharethese with other workers. The workers are asked to compare perceptionsof other people's personalities and traits, and complete a survey oftheir co-workers or colleagues' personality traits. Again the on-linedirectional information includes an invitation to go on-line to play avirtual version of the game.

[0068]FIG. 21 provides instructions for an activity identified as “PunchList”, which is a multiple-part trivia challenge in which the user isasked to complete a finite list of items within a given category. Theuser is directed to a Web site to receive answers to this challenge.

[0069]FIG. 22 illustrates the same card as illustrated in FIG. 21, withthe answers to the Punch List challenge filled in.

[0070]FIG. 23 provides instructions for an activity identified as “StuntDouble”, in which the player is asked to perform a humorous or trickyphysical stunt, such as typing the user's name on a keyboard with theuser's nose. Players are encouraged via the on-line directionalinformation to obtain instructions for similar stunts.

[0071]FIG. 24 provides instructions for an activity referred to as“Zelpuz”, in which a user is asked to unscramble letters or words todiscover a humorous or entertaining word or phrase.

[0072] The activities described above generally fall into fourcategories. One of these categories is knowledge or factual-basedactivities, as represented by the Mix and Match, Pict-O-Quest and PunchList activities represented in FIGS. 13, 14 and 21. A second category isword-based activity, as represented by the Cross Cubes, Mad Cap andZelpuz activities of FIGS. 18, 19 and 24. Other activities that may fallinto this category and be suitably played using the present inventionare activities in which a user is asked to create a specific wordcomposition using any or all of the words on the dice, or in which auser is asked to translate an encrypted phrase, such as a popular phraseor title translated into synonyms, etc. (a Language Cipher Puzzle).

[0073] Another category of activities relate to creative performance, asrepresented by the Stunt Double and Personality Tests activitiesrepresented by FIGS. 20 and 23. A further example in this category is anactivity to test a user's knowledge of popular music to uncover selectedsong lyrics to solve simple puzzles.

[0074] A final category of activities test a player's creativeabilities, as represented by the Built It and Arcade activities of FIGS.16 and 17. Other activities within this category that may be playedusing the game of the present invention are sculpting games, in which aplayer must sculpt a phrase with molding compound and display theresulting sculpture to others to get them to guess the subject mattersculpted, and drawing activities where a user is given simple,intriguing and thought-provoking drawing challenges.

[0075] The above activities are illustrative only, and are notexhaustive or intended to limit the invention.

C. On-Line Game Component

[0076] As described previously, the present invention invites andencourages users to complete or extend game play in an on-lineenvironment over an interactive computer network. One suitable networkis illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27.

[0077]FIG. 26, FIG. 27 and the following discussion are intended toprovide a description of a suitable computing environment in which thepresent invention may be implemented when the game is played over aninteractive network, such as the Internet. As is well known to thoseskilled in the art, the term “Internet” refers to the collection ofnetworks and routers that use the Transmission Control Protocol/InternetProtocol (“TCP/IP”) to communicate with one another. A representativesection 220 of the Internet 250 is shown in FIG. 26, in which aplurality of local area networks (“LANs”) 54 and a wide area network(“WAN”) 256 are interconnected by routers 252. The routers 252 arespecial purpose computers used to interface one LAN or WAN to another.Communication links within the LANs may be twisted wire pair, coaxialcable, wireless, optical cable or other links, while communication linksbetween networks may utilize 56 Kbps analog telephone lines, 1 Mbpsdigital T-1 lines, 45 Mbps T-3 lines, optic cables, wireless links, orother communications links known to those skilled in the art.Furthermore, computers 238 or other related electronic devices capableof Internet access, such as cell phones or personal data assistants(PDA's), or Internet capable television sets, can be remotely connectedto either the LANs 254 or the WAN 256 via a modem and temporarytelephone link, wireless link, fiber optic link, etc. It will beappreciated that the Internet 250 comprises a vast number of suchinterconnected networks, computers, and routers and that only a small,representative section of the Internet 250 is shown in FIG. 26.

[0078] The Internet has recently seen explosive growth by virtue of itsability to link computers located throughout the world. As the Internethas grown, so has the web. As is appreciated by those skilled in theart, the web is a vast collection of interconnected or “hypertext”documents written in HyperText Markup Language (“HTML”), or other markuplanguages, that are electronically stored at “web sites” throughout theInternet. A web site is a server connected to the Internet that has massstorage facilities for storing hypertext documents and that runsadministrative software for handling requests for those stored hypertextdocuments. A hypertext document normally includes a number ofhyperlinks, i.e., highlighted portions of text which link the documentto another hypertext document possibly stored at a web site elsewhere onthe Internet. Each hyperlink is associated with an address, such as aUniform Resource Locator (“URL”) or other resource locator that providesthe exact location of the linked document on a server connected to theInternet and describes the document. Thus, whenever a hypertext documentis retrieved from any web server, the document is considered to beretrieved from the web. As is known to those skilled in the art, a webserver may also include facilities for storing and transmittingapplication programs, such as application programs written in the Javaprogramming language from Sun Microsystems, for execution on a remotecomputer. Likewise, a web server may also include facilities forexecuting scripts and other application programs on the web serveritself.

[0079] A player or other remote user may retrieve hypertext documentsfrom the web via a web browser application program. A web browser, suchas Netscape's Navigator or Microsoft's Internet Explorer, is a softwareapplication program for providing a graphical user interface to the web.Upon request from the player via the web browser, the web browseraccesses and retrieves the desired hypertext document from theappropriate web server using the URL for the document and a protocolknown as HyperText Transfer Protocol (“HTTP”). HTTP is a higher-levelprotocol then TCP/IP and is designed specifically for the requirementsof the web. It is used on top of TCP/IP to transfer hypertext documentsbetween servers and clients. The web browser may also retrieveapplication programs from the web server, such as Java applets, forexecution on the client computer.

[0080] Referring now to FIG. 27, an illustrative operating environmentfor implementing aspects of the present invention will be described. Acomputer 260, or other Internet access device (such as a cell phone orPDA) connects to the Internet 250 through a modem, cable, wireless link,or other type of connection. Once connected to the Internet 250, thecomputer 260 may utilize a web browser to view and interact with websites such as a web site provided by web server 262. As is known tothose skilled in the art, the computer 260 may comprise a generalpurpose personal computer capable of executing a web browser.

[0081] Following the on-line information content of the activity card,the user thus accesses a Web site posted by the server 262. The Web sitehome page display 270 is illustrated in FIG. 25. FIG. 25 displays aninteractive graphical user interface, including a variety of links orbuttons that can be mouse-clicked or otherwise selected by a player forvarious game activities. This on-line component of the game is accessedvia a Web browser installed on the user's Internet access device, andthe home page 270 is the initial access point for the virtual gamecomponent. The home page display 270 suitably includes specific regionsof fields.

[0082] The shortcut input region 272 enables the user to insert theshortcut code word from the on-line informational information 140,obtained from the activity card, in order to access answers tochallenges, hints to solve challenges, or related information andactivities. A shortcut code word may consist of a string of charactersthat are typed in by the user using an input/output device such as akeyboard, telephone key pad or stylus and text recognition pad. When avalid shortcut code is entered into this field 272, and a button 274 isselected, the corresponding page of an applicable activity site isaccessed and opened. Other buttons 276 may be included to provideinformation on shortcuts and their use.

[0083] A second region provides information about the game operatorentity, that hosts the game Web site. The game operator entity region278 includes a variety of buttons 280 that may be selected by a playerto receive data about the game operator, to enter data about the player,and to register or enroll for ancillary services.

[0084] A chronicle region 282 may contain other relevant and interestinginformation, such as news stories, headlines, and the like.

[0085] A gallery region 284 may provide information about representativegames, may provide the solutions or outcomes of game activities thathave been posted by individual viewers, such as captions written forhumorous pictures using the Mad Cap activity and the like. Buttons inregion 284 may access galleries of viewer posted information oreditorial informational picks. Players may post information or date theyhave created during game play, by entering it within the gallery regionor by e-mail.

[0086] A virtual game link region 286 allows the user to select buttons288 that connect the user to pages in which extended play on-line gamesmay be accessed, as will be discussed separately hereinbelow.

[0087] A meeting starter region 290 may be accessed by user to obtaininformation and data that may be downloaded by the player, providinginstructions for activities that can be used by a group of players, suchas the start of a meeting as an icebreaker. The meeting starterinformation that may be accessed by users may contain a variety ofactivities, essentially multiple activity cards, in print form.Instructions as to how to print the downloaded information are included,as well as instructions for solving the game activities.

[0088] Numerous other types of information, data, activities andfeatures may be included on the Web site 270.

[0089] Through use of the game device 10, the user is encouraged torepeatedly visit the game operator's Web site. Thus, as individualactivity cards are utilized by the viewer, the viewer may repeatedlyvisit the home page 270 and input shortcut code words into the region272 to find the answer to puzzles, receive hints to solve puzzles, andreceive instructions for related activities. Virtual or on-line versionsof the games that are described in the activity cards may also beaccessed. Users may also supply information and data that they havecreated through game play, such as personality test results, humorouscaptions for photographs, and the like, through the Web site 270.Alternately, users may submit such information via email to the gameoperator.

D. Extended Virtual Game Play

[0090] The game device 10 of the present invention may also serve as anonramp or invitation to extended on-line games, as noted above.Generally the extended on-line games are commenced by the user accessinga Web site, inputting data and receiving information in order tocommence game play. As part of an initial registration process, playersprovide an email address at which they may receive electronic mail.After a first predetermined period of time following game commencement,status updates on the status of the game may be emailed to the player.The player may then view this information, and further participate ingame play by entering or receiving additional information. Multipleplayers that are networked together may participate in the same extendedgame play.

[0091] Numerous possibilities of extended on line game play, in whichusers periodically receive e-mail status updates and invitations forextended play, may be envisioned. Several of these are describedhereinbelow, and are extensions of activities described above, by way ofillustration, and without limitation.

[0092] In a first version of an extended on-line game, referred toherein as “On-Line Punch List”, players are asked to test their factualknowledge, such as by being asked to name the most famous scary movie,the most famous individual reciting in New York, the most famousbaseball player, etc. The player may provide an answer to each ofmultiple questions. For example, the player may be asked to give theiranswers to questions seeking the player to identify the most famous T.V.dad, baseball player and honeymoon destination. These answers areinputted into the online game Web site, or may be emailed to the gameoperator.

[0093] After a predetermined period of time, such as two or three days,the player will receive an email with information linking their answersto answers from other players enrolled in the same game. The player maybe told the number of other players that agreed with their answers, andthe number of players that agreed with other answers, identified orunidentified. The player is then given an opportunity to change one ormore of his or her previous answers, and to resubmit these by againaccessing the Web site or through email. At the end of a secondpredetermined period of time, such as one week after play commenced,scores rating the overall success of the player's answers are emailed toall players. Players are encouraged to download and print their mid-weekresults as well as end-week results, and to involve their friends andco-workers in game play. Each game survey is active for a period ofapproximately one week.

[0094] The second embodiment of on-line game is referenced herein as“On-Line Mad Cap”, is a quick, viral on-line experience where playerscompete to create the funniest captions for bizarre photographs theyfind at a site. An initiator of game play goes to the game operator'sWeb site home page, selects the On-Line Mad Cap game button, and thenaccesses the On-Line Mad Cap game page. The player then selects apicture and enters a funny caption for the picture. He then enters emailaddresses of a variety of friends that he wants to challenge to join inthe game play.

[0095] These additional players then receive an email, click on a linkto access a Web site, at which the picture, the initial caption and atext challenge are provided. The text challenge may provide theinitiator's name, and then say that the initiator wants the recipient tojoin in the Mad Cap game, make up their own caption for the picture,enter it into a space or window and then click on a Web site link toview other captions. The player may receive a score for his or herentry, and every time another player joins, an email containing a linkis sent back to all other previous players so they can view the furthercaptions. This version of the on-line game, as well as that previouslydescribed, thus provides periodic distractions for a worker.

[0096] A third on-line game is referred to herein as “On-LinePersonality Test”, and is a viral game played via email in which playersare asked to each rate their preferences and guess what the otherplayers will choose, particularly between seemingly arbitrary disparateelements or choices. For example, a player may be asked to choosewhether they prefer coffee or art, dogs or beaches, etc. Each playerrates his or her own preferences and then also predicts the preferencesof other known players. The other players then receive the game inemail, and rate their own preferences and predictions, without seeingthe initial player's ratings. The players then receive the results ofthe other players' entries via email. Players can also customize thegame by creating their own sets of questions to rank.

[0097] A still further version of an on-line game is referenced hereinas “On-Line Talking Heads”. Game players access a Web site and choose aphotographic image of one of a variety of celebrity faces. The playerthen tacks on a funny or incongruous body to the player's face, and thenuse the thusly created face and body to deliver a custom or preselectedanimated audio email message to their friends. These messages are thenemailed to friends identified by the player. More specifically, a playermay first choose a celebrity image, from a list of options, append thecelebrity image onto, by way of example, a cartoon body, compose anemail message, select a voice, add an interesting hat or wig, etc. Oncethis message is composed, text-to-voice software is utilized to createan audio output. The message is emailed to a friend, at an email addressidentified by the initial player. The friend receives the email, opensit and accesses the Web site link. The message composed by the initialplayer is then played, so that the player sees the animated imagetalking and receives the audio message, through a speaker, correspondingto the text entered by the first user. The animated figure may alsodance or do other interesting maneuvers during game play.

[0098] Each of the above on-line games may be initially accessed throughan activity card provided in the device 10 previously described.

[0099] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has beenillustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changescan be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A game comprising: adispenser; a plurality of activity cards disposed in the dispenser, eachactivity card being marked with a first set of instructions describingan activity to be completed by a player, and a source locator addressaccessible by the player over an interactive computer network to obtaina second set of instructions or data to facilitate the player'sfurtherance or completion of the activity.
 2. The game of claim 1,wherein the activity cards comprise flexible paper sheets.
 3. The gameof claim 1, wherein the first set of instructions are printed on a firstside of each activity card, further comprising data printed on a secondside of each activity card.
 4. The game of claim 3, wherein the dataprinted on the second side of the activity card comprises invitationaldata that invites the data to dispense the activity card and commencegame play.
 5. The game of claim 3, wherein the data printed on thesecond side of the activity card comprises factual information thatrelates to the activity described by the first set of instructions onthe first side of the card.
 6. The game of claim 1, wherein thedispenser defines a slot through which the activity cards are dispensedon an individual basis.
 7. The game of claim 6, further comprising aspring loaded platform mounted within the dispenser that biases theactivity cards toward the slot.
 8. The game of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one activity implement, wherein the dispenserfurther defines a first reservoir for receiving the at least oneactivity implement, the activity implement being usable by the user tocarry out at least some of the activities described on the activitycards.
 9. The game of claim 8, wherein the activity implement comprisesa molding compound.
 10. The game of claim 8, wherein the activityimplement comprises a plurality of die.
 11. The game of claim 10,wherein each dice is marked with lettering.
 12. The game of claim 1,wherein the plurality of activity cards each include a first side and asecond side, further comprising a gum adhesive strip applied to aportion of one side of each card, the cards being assembled in a stackwith the adhesive strip of each card being detachably adhered to anadjacent card, the cards being separable by peeling the cards apart todetach the adhesive without damage to the cards.
 13. The game of claim12, in which the adhesive strips of adjacent cards are disposed onopposite sides of the cards relative to each other, such that the stackof cards forms a detachably adhered Z-fold stack.
 14. The game of claim1, wherein the first set of instructions of at least some of theactivity cards require the use of desktop implements.
 15. The game ofclaim 1, further comprising a desktop implement holder assembled withthe dispenser.
 16. The game of claim 15, wherein the implement holdercomprises a resilient elastomeric memory foam.
 17. The game of claim 1,further comprising a base on which the dispenser may be selectivelyplaced and which supports the dispenser.
 18. The game of claim 17,wherein the base includes a desktop implement holder for receivingdesktop implements.
 19. The game of claim 17, wherein the base includesa clip adapted for receiving and displaying photographs.
 20. The game ofclaim 1, wherein the second set of instructions obtained at the sourcelocator address invites the player to participate in an extended orfurther game activity that occurs over the interactive computer network.21. The game of claim 20, wherein the extended or further game activityprogresses over a predetermined period of time, and results in a messageconveying an update as to game status being sent by electronic mail toan interactive network access device that is accessible by the player.22. A game, comprising: a housing defining a dispenser; and a pluralityof activity cards disposed in the dispenser, each activity card beingmarked with invitational information and with a set of instructionsdescribing an activity to be completed by a player, the activity varyingfor each card, a first one of the activity cards projecting from thedispenser so as to display the invitational information marked thereonto induce a player to remove the first activity cards to review the setof instructions marked thereon, removal of the first activity cardautomatically advancing a second one of the activity card to display theinvitational information marked thereon.
 23. The game of claim 22,wherein the dispenser defines a slot through which the activity cardsare dispensed on an individual basis.
 24. The game of claim 23, furthercomprising a spring loaded platform mounted within the dispenser thatbiases the activity cards toward the slot.
 25. The game of claim 22,further comprising an activity implement, stored in the receptacle ofthe housing, and manipulable by the user to carry out at least some ofthe activities described on the plurality of activity cards.
 26. Thegame of claim 25, wherein the activity implement comprises a moldingcompound.
 27. The game of claim 25, wherein the activity implementcomprises a plurality of die.
 28. The game of claim 27, wherein eachdice is marked with lettering.
 29. The game of claim 22, wherein theplurality of activity cards each include a first side and a second side,further comprising a gum adhesive strip applied to a portion of one sideof each card, the cards being assembled in a stack with the adhesivestrip of each card being detachably adhered to an adjacent card, thecards being separable by peeling the cards apart to detach the adhesivewithout damage to the cards.
 30. The game of claim 29, in which theadhesive strips of adjacent cards are disposed on opposite sides of thecards relative to each other, such that the stack of cards forms adetachably adhered Z-fold stack.
 31. A game system playable by a userwho accesses an interactive computer network via a network accessdevice, comprising: a plurality of activity cards, each activity cardbeing marked with a first set of instructions describing an activity tobe completed by a player and a source locator address accessible by theplayer using the network access device over the interactive computernetwork to obtain a second set of instructions or data to facilitate theplayer's furtherance or completion of the activity; and a network serverthat serves up data including the second set of instructions over theinteractive computer network to the source locator address for access bythe player.
 32. The game system of claim 31, wherein the data served upby the network server includes an invitation to the player toparticipate in an on-line game activity that occurs over a predeterminedperiod of time, the network server providing progress updates on theon-line game to the player over the interactive computer network to theplayer's network access device.
 33. A game comprising: a plurality ofactivity cards, each activity card having a first side and a secondside, and at least one side of each card being marked with gameinformation, the game information marked on each card being differentfrom the game information marked on at least a majority of the othercards; a gum adhesive strip applied to a portion of one side of eachcard, the cards being assembled in a stack with the adhesive strip ofeach card being detachably adhered to an adjacent card, adjacent cardsbeing separable by peeling the cards apart to detach the adhesive stripwithout damage to the cards.
 34. The game of claim 33, in which theadhesive strips of adjacent cards are disposed on opposite sides of thecards relative to each other, such that the stack of cards forms adetachably adhered Z-fold stack.
 35. The game of claim 33, wherein thegame information marked on the first side of each card comprises factualdata.
 36. The game of claim 35, wherein the game information marked onthe first side of each game activity card includes invitationalinformation inviting a player to access the card.
 37. The game of claim33, wherein the game information is marked on a second side of each cardand includes instructions for carrying out an activity.
 38. The game ofclaim 37, wherein the second side of each card is also marked with asource locator address accessible by the player over an interactivecomputer network to obtain a second set of instructions or data tofacilitate the player's completion of the activity.
 39. A gamecomprising: a display media for presenting one of a plurality ofinstruction sets to a game player, each instruction set describing anactivity to be completed by a player, the instruction set also includinga source locator address accessible by the player over an interactivecomputer network to obtain a second set of instructions or data tofacilitate the player's furtherance or completion of the activity; andmeans for controlling the display media to dispense an instruction setto a player.
 40. The game of claim 39, wherein the display mediacomprises a plurality of activity cards, and the plurality ofinstruction sets are printed on the activity cards, and wherein themeans for controlling comprises a dispenser assembly activated by aplayer.
 41. The game of claim 39, wherein the display media is,electronic and the means for controlling includes a processor forcontrolling the display media and a port for receiving data to bedisplayed on the display media.
 42. A game comprising: a housing; anelectronic display in the housing for displaying one of a plurality ofsets of instructions, each instruction set describing an activity to becompleted by a player, and a source locator address accessible by theplayer over an interactive computer network to obtain a second set ofinstructions or data to facilitate the player's furtherance orcompletion of the activity; a controller for controlling the display;and a port for providing data to the controller and the display togenerate the instruction sets.
 43. A method of playing a gamecomprising: providing a first set of instructions to a player, the firstset of instructions describing an activity to be completed by a player;providing a source locator address accessible by the player over aninteractive computer network to obtain a second set of instructions ordata to facilitate the player's furtherance or completion of theactivity; and providing the second set of instructions or data to theinteractive computer network source locator address to be accessed bythe player.
 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the first set ofinstructions are provided on an activity card, further comprisingdispensing one of a plurality of activity cards, each including acorresponding set of instructions.
 45. The method of claim 43, furthercomprising providing a selected one of a plurality of sets ofinstructions for activities, each instruction set being displayed on anelectronic display.